FLOWERS, 4min,. USA
Directed by Yijia Sun
Flowers are brought home by a man who attempts to transform them into his desired appearance.

https://www.instagram.com/cherinocean/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I've witnessed many female friends around me, myself included, suffer from gaslighting in relationships. I want to use this film to vividly showcase the absurdity and cruelty of this behavior. Moreover, I want to tell everyone who has been or is going through this that it is not your fault—you are already good enough. Being loved should never come with conditions.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

About one year or so.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Poetic, Cruel.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The most challenging part was the post-production Foley work. As a student with a very limited budget for making this film, I chose to do the Foley at home with my boyfriend. Due to environmental constraints, our sound files would often pick up conversations, footsteps, or furniture moving sounds from the neighbors. After countless retakes, we finally managed to get a clean, satisfactory Foley recording.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was initially concerned that my experimental short film would be difficult for people to understand, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the audience's reactions grasped the theme of the film. I strongly agree with some of the views expressed, such as the idea that the relationship between 'flowers' and people in the film is not just about interpersonal relationships, but can also represent the relationship between humanity and the environment. Films are like that—audience interpretations often turn out to be more fascinating than what the director initially envisioned.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

It was after I graduated from business school that I gradually became aware of feminist issues. I started noticing the many injustices in the society I lived in and the widespread misogyny in society. This made me angry (anger and love are my motivators), and I felt a strong urge to express and change some of these realities. Film, being a medium loved by the masses, seemed like the perfect way to make a difference.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Everything everywhere all at once

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I hope I can have more opportunities to communicate with female filmmakers.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

So far, everything is going smoothly.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Hot pot.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I'm going to produce my first feature, Angels Near Death this October. And I'm going to direct my feature next year.